Ministries and Groups

For more information about any of the ministries or groups listed below, please contact the Parish Office at 269-983-1575, unless otherwise specified.

ALTAR GUILDThe Altar Guild cleans the downtown church.

ARTIST GUILDThe Artist Guild is committed to evangelization through experiences of beauty. This group plans art events and supports efforts to promote the arts in our parish. Any kind of talent is welcome!

BEFRIENDERS MINISTRY BEFRIENDERS MINISTRY WEBSITEBeFrienders are lay volunteers who provide pastoral care to people in difficult and transitional situations, such as illness, loneliness, or loss of a loved one. They embody the caring presence of God and of the faith community. Since their role is to care, not cure, the skills BeFrienders learn in training allow them to respond to any pastoral care need with confidence that they can provide a nonjudgmental and compassionate listening presence.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRYThe Bereavement Ministry supports parishioners who have lost a loved one. Contact: Tom Gazella at 269-983-6191 or t_gazella@yahoo.com.

BIRTHRIGHT OF ST. JOSEPHBirthright of St. Joseph located at 2700 Niles Avenue, St. Joseph, offers love, friendship and support to women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant and helps them make a realistic plan for their future. Contact Maria Houseal Johnston, Director at 269-983-0700 (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Mon-Fri). Helpline (Toll Free) 1-800-550-4900.

CATECHISTSReligious Education teachers and teachers' aids share their special gifts and talents with children from pre-school to high school ages, and also in adult education. Volunteers are assisted in meeting requirements such as Virtus (Protecting God's Children) training and other catechist training. Please call Peggy Hanley for more information 983-1575, ext. 10.

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY CENTERThe Center provides a caring Christian presence to the people in the Benton Harbor area. Its community outreach services support and assistance with food, utilities and other basic needs. It also functions as a resource redistribution center, where people can share their talents, skills, resources, and time with those who need help. In particular, we would appreciate additional volunteers to work in the office greeting people, answering the phone, and working with files. Volunteers are used for working in the food pantry as well loading/unloading groceries, and packing bags of food for food distribution days. There is also a thrift store. It is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with people in our community and to help those who are seeking assistance. The Center is located at 346 Catalpa, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Its hours are 9:00-12:00 for walk-in assistance and 1:00-5:00 for appointments. Contact Sr. Mary or Sr. Maureen at 269-926-6424.

FUNERAL LUNCHEON APOSTOLATEThe Funeral Luncheon Apostolate helps those who are grieving over the loss of a loved one by assisting with a funeral luncheon. They help by preparing a dish, serving the food or helping with clean up.

HARBOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITYHarbor Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of Habitat International, is a Christian, non-profit housing ministry that seeks to eliminate inadequate housing in Benton Harbor and Benton Charter Township by engaging the community and partnering with families to provide them with a safe, decent, and affordable place to live. In order to make homes affordable, we seek and encourage the support of volunteers to build each house. Email Joe Giannola at joe@giannolainvestments.com or call Jody at Harbor Habitat at 925-9635 or Brenda Butler, Volunteer Coordinator at 269-934-5233 or volunteer@harborhabitat.org.

JAIL APOSTOLATEVolunteers spend one hour each Monday (on a rotating schedule), discussing the scriptures and prayer with those who are incarcerated. This apostolate also includes bringing the Holy Eucharist to Catholic inmates once a month. Contact: Steve Kuehl at 269-429-6975.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUSKNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 13942 WEBSITEA Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members. They are actively involved with religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. Contact Grand Knight John Monteiro at 317-908-5165 or Deputy Grand Knight Tom Adams at 269-277-7883.

LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEEThe Liturgical Environment Committee works with the pastor to establish the decorating of the church for the liturgical seasons.

MOTHERS TOGETHERMothers come together in a setting of shared faith for fellowship, support, fun and personal/ family growth. Activities include monthly play groups, moms' coffee and moms' night out. Contact: Melissa Shall at swmi_catholicmoms@yahoogroups.com.

MUSIC MUSIC WEBPAGEChoir, cantors, musicians and singers give their time and talent during liturgies and other services requiring music. Our adult choir and cantors are accompanied by organ, our singing groups are accompanied by piano and/or guitars. Approach any group after Mass to inquire or contact Greg Zyjewski at stjoestjoemusic@gmail.com.

PARISH APPRECIATION DINNERA yearly banquet usually held at the Rose Center to thank all those who have served the parish. Contact Parish Office to assist in planning and preparation.

READINESS CENTERThe Readiness Center, located at 347 Catalpa St., P.O. Box 1352, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, provides educational opportunities for low income parents and their pre-school children as well as after-school support for school-aged children. Contact Sr. Paulita or Sr. Sharon at 269-926-4084.

ST. FIACRE'S FARMNamed for the patron saint of gardening, St. Fiacres’s Farm is a ten acre garden at St. Joseph South in which families and individuals can gather for fellowship and gardening. Contact Margaret Hogeboom at 429-4351.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETYST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY WEBPAGESt. Vincent de Paul Society seeks to find Christ in the poor and needy through service to them. One can assist this group in a number of ways. Contact Joyce Kalenevitch, President, at 982-3478.

SOUP KITCHEN VOLUNTEERSSoup Kitchen Volunteers help out at the soup kitchen in Benton Harbor twelve times a year. Volunteers help prepare and distribute food as well as clean up afterward. Contacts: Mike Whittaker, Diane Phillips, or Ed Phillips.

VISITATION MINISTRYThe Visitation Ministry provides regular visits to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass for extended periods of time due to age or physical conditions. This ministry provides visits to nursing homes, masses in nursing homes, and home visits. Contact: Deacon Mike Gallagher at 269-313-7353 or deacon7mike@comcast.net.

YOUTH MINISTRYAt the present time St. Joseph Parish does not have an active youth group. If you or your child are interested in participating in a youth group, being a parent volunteer, or chaperoning or supplying refreshments for possible functions, please contact the parish office at 983-1575. We will take down your information and contact you when we have the leadership to start up an active youth group again.